Cytological changes of the conjunctiva in immunoglobulin-producing dyscrasias.
The conjunctivae of 15 patients with confirmed immunoglobulin-producing dyscrasias were examined by cytological techniques. Of 13 patients with no gross ocular symptoms, 10 showed distinct epithelial cell changes and/or the presence of periodic acid-Schiff (PAS)-positive cells. Two other patients with gross abnormalities of the conjunctiva revealed the presence of PAS-positive cells, Dutcher bodies, and lymphocytoid-plasma cells. Lymphomatous deposition may develop in the conjunctiva and present as conjunctival nodules or as a diffuse infiltration. It is concluded that the cytological preparation of conjunctival smears may serve as a sensitive indicator of systemic immunoglobulin-producing dyscrasias.
D000368:Aged; D003228:Conjunctiva / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006942:Hypergammaglobulinemia / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000473:pathology; D010265:Paraproteinemias / Q000473:pathology*; D010503:Periodic Acid-Schiff Reaction; D008258:Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia / Q000473:pathology